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The Bay of Islands is gearing up to welcome over 100 boats and some big names at the annual CRC Bay of Islands Sailing Week regatta.

Organisers are expecting one of the largest fleets ever recorded in the event's 16 year history. To date 99 boats have entered, with more expected to sign up before racing gets under way next Wednesday morning.

"It looks like this will be our biggest year in nearly a decade, and probably the second biggest year ever, which is amazing", said Regatta Chairperson Manuela Gmuer-Hornell.

"It just goes to show that what we're doing at Bay Week is something people really love."